When Dennis Yu came out to Minnesota to interview me, we sat down with no script—just two people talking about life, family, and the real moments that shaped who I’ve become.
Dennis has been a mentor and collaborator, helping me refine systems and strategies that align with my focus on service and leadership.
“Most people chase tactics, but you understand the power of systems,” Dennis told me. “You lead from the front, and that’s rare.”
Where It All Started: Faith, Pressure, and Purpose
I was born in Burnsville, Minnesota, to my parents, Tiffany and Jeffrey Wendt. My dad, who was raised in a trailer park, became a pastor. Together with my mom, they founded a church in Northfield when I was just six. Faith and community weren’t just values in our home, but they were the foundation.
Sundays meant two hours of setup, then the service, then teardown. We did this in school gyms and auditoriums, wherever space was available. It taught me discipline, routine, and teamwork. More than that, it embedded a sense of purpose.
Growing up as a pastor’s kid came with pressure. Everyone had expectations. I didn’t always fit those molds. But that friction taught me to think differently. It helped me understand leadership isn’t about pleasing everyone, but it’s about being true to what you stand for.
My dad always reminded me, “I want the ceiling of my life to be the basement of yours.”
Building Systems Before I Had a Title
Before COVID hit, I had the idea to upgrade our church’s video production. We bought new gear and revamped the YouTube channel. I trained other kids—including my brother—on how to operate cameras, manage angles, and run a live stream.
When lockdowns started, our church didn’t scramble. The live stream ran smoothly, and we reached thousands. That experience showed me the value of systems and how technology can serve people when built correctly.
For example, my mentor Dennis has built custom GPTs that his team uses to complete tasks in minutes instead of days. One example is the article grader tool, which is used to QA articles and reduce the need for one-on-one coaching from senior team members.
During our interview, Dennis said, “Most teenagers aren’t leading teams or directing AV at a church. You didn’t wait to be told—you just stepped in and figured it out.”
What Being the Oldest Brother Taught Me About Influence
Out of all the titles I carry, being a big brother is the one I hold closest. I’m the oldest of seven siblings. I spent three months back home in Utah during an internship, and it reminded me how much family means.
It’s the moments around the dinner table, the late-night talks, the small lessons shared with younger siblings—that’s where fulfillment lives. Leadership starts in the home.
How Serving for Free Got Me in the Right Rooms
I met Caleb Guilliams at a business event in Denver when I was a teenager. We stayed connected, and I eventually offered to help BetterWealth through an unpaid internship. That led to me learning about systems, workflows, and business dynamics.
After completing my military training, I reached out again. Because I had already invested time and value before. I had built a relationship and had proven my reliability.
Volunteering and service open doors that money can’t. For anyone looking to connect with mentors or land opportunities, show up and serve. That’s how trust is built.
Meeting Caleb opened doors for me, especially in connecting with high-value people like Dennis Yu.
Dennis later introduced me to the founders and CEOs of billion-dollar companies. For example, we met Adam Townsend (CFO of Vizio), who was finalizing a $2.7 billion deal.
That moment was a turning point. It helped me start High Rise Influence—my agency—and none of it would have happened without Dennis opening those doors.
My Mission Moving Forward
I believe we all have gifts worth sharing. My mission is to help others recognize their strengths and turn them into action. Whether it’s leading a team, creating content, or supporting my siblings, the goal remains the same: to live with intention and impact.
This journey is far from finished. I’m here to keep learning, building, and serving—one meaningful step at a time.
What This Journey Taught Me
- Leadership isn’t a title, but it’s taking action when no one asks you to.
- Serving others, even without pay, builds the trust that opens doors.
- Systems beat hustle. When you train others and document the process, you scale your impact.
- Real influence begins at home—with family, faith, and consistency.
- Relationships are your strongest currency. The right mentor will multiply your growth if you show up ready to help.
What part of your own journey are you being called to step into right now?
About The Author
